Phone scams are a growing concern, especially for older adults who may be more susceptible to fraudulent calls. Fortunately, iOS offers several built-in features and third-party applications to help protect your parent from these unwanted intrusions.
What Built-in Features Can Help Block Scam Calls on iOS?
iOS provides several native features designed to reduce unwanted calls:
How Does the "Silence Unknown Callers" Feature Work?
This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri suggestions, sending them directly to voicemail. To enable it:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Phone.
- Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.
This effectively filters out most spam calls. (kind.watch)
How Can You Block Specific Numbers on iOS?
To block a specific number:
- Open the Phone app.
- Go to Recents.
- Tap the info (i) icon next to the number.
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
This prevents the blocked number from calling, texting, or FaceTiming your parent. (security.org)
What Third-Party Apps Can Enhance Scam Call Protection?
While iOS offers built-in features, third-party apps can provide additional layers of protection:
Which Apps Are Effective in Blocking Scam Calls?
- Truecaller: Identifies and blocks spam calls and messages.
- Hiya: Provides caller ID and blocks spam calls.
To use these apps:
- Download the app from the App Store.
- Follow the setup instructions within the app.
- Enable the app in Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
These apps maintain databases of known scam numbers and can automatically block or warn about potential spam calls. (makeuseof.com)
How Can You Report Spam Calls on iOS?
Reporting spam calls helps improve the system's ability to identify and block fraudulent numbers:
- Open the Phone app.
- Go to Recents.
- Tap the info (i) icon next to the number.
- If available, tap Report Junk.
This action reports the number to Apple and your carrier, aiding in the identification of spam numbers. (cms.illinois.gov)
What Additional Steps Can You Take to Protect Your Parent?
- Educate About Scam Calls: Inform your parent about common scam tactics and encourage them not to share personal information over the phone.
- Regularly Update iOS: Ensure the device is running the latest iOS version for optimal security.
- Use Carrier Services: Contact your parent's mobile carrier to inquire about additional spam-blocking services they may offer.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of scam calls reaching your parent on their iOS device.
Highlights:
- How to block spam calls on iPhone, Android, and landlines, Published on Wednesday, January 07
- How to Protect Yourself From Scam Calls - Tech Advisor, Published on Wednesday, June 11
- How to Detect and Block Spam Calls
